Buying a Rolex Watch
The finest materials, rigorous testing, cutting edge technology, accuracy, and inspiration. These are essential elements that make a Rolex timepiece an instrument of ultimate craftsmanship and beauty.
Rolex has many features that put it in a category by itself. In 1926, the Rolex Oyster became the world's first modern day waterproof watch and it continues to pioneer waterproofing techniques with features like its screw down crown, which provides protection from water and dust. The virtually impenetrable Rolex diestruck case is designed to provide the best protection and its clever design ensures long life operation. It may take a team of experts up to five years to design and develop a new Rolex model. Each timepiece undergoes quality control procedures at every level. It's what makes Rolex synonymous with quality, making it the Official Certified Swiss Chronometer that has long been prized by collectors.
A Rolex watch is truly a timeless essential, but care must be taken when purchasing one. Many watches are available bearing the name Rolex, but unless you are buying from an Official Rolex Jeweler, there is no guarantee that your watch is genuine. A watch purchased from the secondary market has an unknown history. Where did it come from? Has it been stolen? How old is it? Are all the parts authentic? There's no way to know for sure. Parts of it, such as the dial, bezel, or bracelet may be counterfeit. The entire watch may be a replica. Perhaps it is real, but an older model made to appear new. Even if the watch is new and genuine and the dealer presents it complete with box and papers, Rolex will not honor the guarantee as the watch was not purchased from the Official Rolex Jeweler whose name is imprinted on the guarantee.
A Rolex replica is never as good as the real thing. It may look similar, but flaws always exist. An imitation may not feel and weigh like a real Rolex. The movement is not the same. Two-tone models often have gold plated center links, bezels and crowns instead of 18kt solid gold parts. The date magnification is usually less and the water resistance nonexistent. Rolex watches have sapphire crystals; replicas usually have lesser quality crystals. Even if an imitation is virtually identical to a real Rolex watch, it can never replace an original. A Rolex watch holds a genuine brand name and resale value, and is a collector's item.
Rolex states, “Genuine Rolex products are sold through Official Rolex Jewelers and are not available on the Internet.” Purchasing a Rolex from an authorized dealer ensures your watch is new, completely genuine, and guaranteed by Rolex.
What if you are unsure whether the dealer you are considering is an Official Rolex Jeweler? Look for the warning signs. All Official Rolex Jewelers MUST display their authorized Rolex plaque in the front window and the inside showcase with the Rolex watches. If you do not see these plaques you are definitely not in an authorized Rolex agency.
Is the salesperson making outrageous claims and using high pressure tactics? Remember, if the deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Don't be afraid to ask questions. An Official Rolex Jeweler should be willing to show you that the store is indeed an authorized agency. Request to see a guarantee; it should be imprinted with the store's name. Rolex requires their agencies to maintain a copy of the guarantee of each and every watch sold; ask to see this file. If you're still having doubts, call Rolex's New York offices at 212-758-7700. A Rolex representative will confirm whether the dealer is authorized or not.
Purchasing a Rolex is a decision that you will never regret. You will find yourself admiring it during quiet moments with enormous satisfaction, knowing that you have on your wrist the closest thing to mechanical perfection ever devised, created by the finest craftsman, and as perfect as the hand of man can make it. It will never go out of fashion, others will envy it, and it will never let you down. Arnold Palmer, Renee Fleming, Eric Clapton, Diana Krall, Charles Howell, and Jackie Stewart all wear Rolex. Shouldn't you?
